Anchored on the concept of home sharing, it allows everyday people to make their space available for travellers.According to the latest research by travel industry news site Skift, the Asia Pacific region is expected to be the most promising market for STRA in the coming years. Notably, Kuala Lumpur was one of the top cities in South-East Asia on Airbnb last year.
“From a medical tourism perspective, diversity in travel accommodation options and allowing for short-term rental stay is key,” says Dr Jayanthi, who adds that a variety of accommodations near hospitals provides patients with a sense of home, and a bigger space to rest.Jay T, who runs a bakery at The OOAK Suites and Residences@Kiara 163 – a popular serviced apartment located in the affluent suburb of Mont Kiara in Kuala Lumpur – says most of his customers consist of STRA guests.
Datin Grace Xavier, former associate professor and research fellow at Universiti Malaya’s Faculty of Law, says in challenging economics times, home sharing can provide a critical supplementary source of income for Malaysians.